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RUTHERFORD COUNTY, 

_ — ITS 

Establishment, Early History, 
Topography, Soil, Products 

AND other RESOURSES. 



In colonial times the tract of country now known as 
Rutherford County, ITorth Carolina, was embraced in the 
territory then known as Tryon County, so called in honor of 
William Tryon, who was the royal Governor of North Car- 
olina from 1765 to 1771. 

In 1779 the territory of Tryon County was divided and 
Lincoln and Rutherford established therefrom. Since that 
til ae parts of Rutherford have been cut oif to Buncombe, 
Burke, Cleveland, McDowell, Polk and Henderson counties 
and thus it has been reduced to its present size. 

Rutherford County now extends from the Cleveland 
line on the East to the Henderson line on the West, a dis- 
tance of over thirty miles, and from the South Carolina and 
Polk County lines on the South to the McDowell and Burke 
li'ics on tlie North, at some points a distance of twenty-live 
nrles, and an average breadth of over fourteen miles. 

The County embraces about five hundred square miles, 
an acreage of over three hundred thousand acres of land. Of 
this amount about eighty thousand acres are under cultiva- 
tion, leaving over two hundred and thirty thousand acres un- 



2 Rivtherforcl County. 

improved, thus offering a large lieldfor new settlers who can 
find pleasant and profitable business rapidly opening here 
iov them. 

rOPULATION. 

The population of the Count}' is about sixteen thousand 
five hundred (16,500.) Nearly thirteen thousand white and 
about three thousand five hundred colored. 

JSTearly the entire population are natives of North Car- 
olina and are steady, honest, upright, well-to-do people. 
They are wanting in some of the qualifications that are es- 
sential to the rapid development of a country, to wit : that 
"snap" and energy that characterize the new settlements of 
the West. The people are fairly intelligent and are noted for 
their hospitality and integrity and with the Railroads and 
the '-push" that will naturally come with them together with 
the influx of enterprising men that we expect and the in- 
fluence of capital and business, no country can boast of a 
better people. While the population has increased in fair 
proportion with other counties we look for still more rapid 
growth. 

RAIL ROADS. 

Up to the present year we have not known the advant- 
ages of a Railroad but the wealth and products of the Coun- 
ty have been carried away and the County drained to enrich 
her more fortunate sisters, but within the past year the 
Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago Railroad a n<"w corpo- 
ration has begun to develop this section and in the '«''<7r/'<ft«'e 
we will have ample Railroad facilities. The Massachusetts 
and Southern Construction Company which has charge of 
the construction of the line has been for twelve months at 
work constructing that part of the road l)etween the Air 
Line Road at Black's in South Carolina and Rutherfordton 
and have the road ready for the iron which is now being laid 
so that in a very few weeks it will be completed between 
these two points. This Railroad is a scheme well wortliy 
the best Railroad talent in the land. It is projected to run 



Rutherford Comity. S 

from Charleston, S. C, to Cincinnati and Chicago. If the 
reader will take the map and glance at the line beginning at 
Charleston thence Northwest through the centre of the State 
crossing the Charlotte and Atlanta Air Line between Spar- 
tanburg and Charlotte, thence to Shelby, Rutherfordton and 
Marion and thence crossing the Blue Ridge (without a tun- 
nel), and through Mitchell County into Tennessee and 
through Kentucky it will readily be seen that an immense 
territory of wonderfully valuable resourses is to be developed 
by the enterprise, and giving this county, at one stroke, 
communication in every direction. This Railroad will be 
completed to Rutherfordton during the present year, 1886, 
and put in running trim. 

The Carolina Central Railroad running from the sea 
coast at Wilmington almost entirely through the State is 
also rapidly extending its line to Rutherfordton, and will 
run its trains to Rutherfordton during the present year, 
(1886.) 

The two Railroads above mentioned are fixed facts and 
there is talk of others, but we are only dealing with tacts as 
they now exist. 

TOWNS. 

There are a number of small Towns in this County but 
the only incorporated towns are Rutherfordton and Forest 
City. 

RUTHERFORDTON. 

The County seat is situated among the hills about fifteen 
miles East of the foot of the Blue Ridge. It is strictly a town 
among the hills, not large hills, but hills sufficient to furnish 
a natural drainage and make it one of the healthiest places 
on earth. The location is a splendid one for a thriving 
town. As now located it is perfectly surrounded with beau- 
tifully elevated building sites, such sites as will ere long be 
the pride of the place. 

Until recently the Town has had no hope of a Railroad 
and the citizens have not felt much stimulus to improve 
what a bounteous Providence has lavished upon them but 



Jf Rutherford County. 



now they feel that inspiration that comes with steam and 
Hghtening and are looking at the real advantages an<l facili- 
ties that surround them and what has heretofore appeared to 
be insurmountable difficulties now begin to look as if it 
might not only be easily overcome but turned to advantage 
— heretofore while all our locomotion and transportation 
was by horse-power and nothing to bring capital and enter- 
prise to us a town located among hills stood a poor chance 
to have its streets and surrounding eminences beautified and 
improved, but now it is easy to see that the location of the 
Town is an exceedingly fortunate one if the necessary steps 
are taken to make it what it ought to be. 

The facilities for furnishing water are unsurpassed. 
There is a good spring of Chalybeate water immediately in 
the Town. The climate is all that could be desired. The 
water is fine. The Town has four good church edifices, a 
splendid school, good hotels and boarding houses, elegant 
scenery, with two Railroads just being completed, with a 
splendidly productive section to sustain it, bright prospects 
before it. With all these advantages it is destined to become 
one of the principal towns of Western North Carolina, both 
as a business place and a health resort. 

There is an abundance ot unimproved land and lots for 
sale at reasonable prices and an earnest invitation to home- 
seekers to come and see us and live among us. 

Distance from Rutherfordton 

To Asheville 40 miles. 

" Morganton 35 " 

" Marion ,26 •' 

" Shelby '.24 

" Chimney Rock 17 '' 

" Ilendersonville ,32 " 

" Spartanburg 30 " 

" Columbus 20 " 

" Tryon City 25 " 

" Black Mountain 40 " 

" Bald Mountain 18 " 



Rutherford Comity. 5 



FOREST CITY 

is a thrivinir town six miles East of Rutherfordton on the 
lines of Railroad. It is located on a narrow level ridge with 
good drainage and good natural advantages. It is popu- 
lated by good substantial citizens and promises fair to be a 
town of note. It has a fine school and good churches. The 
morals of the Town are good. Good hotels and boarding 
houses, a number of stores and other places of business, 
splendid water and climate. A healthy Town and an invi- 
tation to outsiders to come and share its blessings. Plenty 
of fine building lots for sale. 

THE PRODUCTS OF THE COUNTY. 

There is probably no County in the State, the products 
of which are more varied and abundant. The Southern and 
Eastern portions are well adapted to the growth of cotton, 
while the whole Count}- produces in abundance — corn,'wheat, 
oats, rye, potatoes, tobacco, cabbage, sorghum, clover, grass, 
peas, beans, garden vegetables and fruits of all kinds. 
THE LANDS. 

As will be seen at the beginning of this article there are 
plenty of unimproved lands in this County to accommodate 
a population four times as great as the present population. 
Just think of it ! Over two hundred thousand acres of un- 
im[)ro\ed lands. The lands in Rutherford County are of 
every imaginable description, from the deep soil of the river 
low-lands to the steep mountain side. 

The entire County is abundantly watered and along the 
streams can be found the most fertile lands in all the State. 
On first Broad River and its tributaries — second Eroad now 
and its tributaries. Cane Creek, Camp Creek, Cove Creek, 
Cedar Creek, Robertson's Creek, Cathey's Creek, Bill's 
Creek, Buffalo, Mountain Creek, Main Broad River, Floyd's 
Creek and a large number of other streams can be found 
abundance of the finest quality of land, as rich and produc- 
tive as any in the State, while on the ridges and hillsides in 
the Eastern and Southern parts of the County the fine cot- 



6 Rutherford County. 

ton lands are almost as valuable, and the uplands of tlie 
Northern and Western parts of the County so well adapted 
to tobacco raisin<^, attord line opportunities for persons look- 
ing for homes. 

The character of the soil is fully described in a commu- 
nication from W. L. Tvvitty, Esq., published herein. 

TOWNSHIP DIVISIONS OF THE COUNTY. 

There are thirteen Townships in the County. 

RuTiiERFORDTON TowNSHiP iucludes the Town of Ruth- 
fordton and two or three miles from the Court House in 
every direction. The lands ot this Towiibhip are about an 
average of the quality throughout the County. In this 
Township, and about three miles from Rutherfordton, is the 
hill on which Furgeson camped enroute to King's Mountain 
where he met his defeat and death, and the house where 
died the wounded Major Dunlap of revolutionary history. 

Green Hill Township lies North and West of Ruth- 
erfordton. This Township contains much fine lands and 
timber. A reliable citizen informs us that during the 
present year he cut four tons of hay from six square rods of 
land. In this Towhship is a wonderful Mineral Spring 
which has proven very beneficial in scrofula and cutaneous 
affections. 

Union Township is small in territory but rich in soil 
and timber. Some very fine cotton and tobacco lands are 
still unimproved, and much fine land in cultivation. 

Sulphur Springs Township is well adapted to the 
growth of tobacco, cotton and grains, and has any quantity 
of fine timber and some elegant water-pow'ers. 

In this Township, about ten miles from Rutherfordton, 
and about four miles from the line of Railroad, is a very fine 
Spring of White Sulphur Water. 

High Shoals Township — This Township has probably 
as fine land as any in the County and the most extensive 
water-power. The famous High Shoals on second Broad 
River furnishes sufficient power to run immense machinery. 

Colfax Township lies next the Cleveland County line 



Rutherford Comity. 7 

and is a fine cotton section. Tlie lands are well watered and 
fertile — farmers can make money. 

Cool Springs Township is also rich and well adapted 
to cotton raising. The lands are well watered. Forest 
City is in this Township. 

Duncan's Creek Township is undulating. The lands 
compare fa vorahly wnth the lands of other Townships, w^ell 
ada[>ted to the growth of wheat, corn and tobacco. 

Golden Valley Township has rich lands, fine timber 
and is rich in gold and other mineral deposits. 

Logan's Store Township is well timbered, well watered 
and has much fine lands, well adapted to grain, cotton and 
tobacco. Has also gold and other valuable mineral depos- 
its. 

Camp Creek Township, has much fine lands — is undu- 
dulating. The lands are all wxll adapted to the growth of 
grains and tobacco, some cotton grown. Gold and other 
minerals abound. 

Morgan Township lies next the McDowell County 
line, and abounds with fine timber. The lands are well wa- 
tered and lertile. The water pure and air bracing. Fine 
water-power and some mineral. 

Chimney Rock, while it has fine farming lands in 
aljundance, is noted for its beautiful mountain scenery, pure 
air and water and fine timbers. The famous Chimney Rock, 
the Waterfall, the Pools, Bald Mountain and many other 
place-5 of popular resort are in this Township. 

Each of the thirteen Townships are well timbered and 
well watered. The stock-law is in full force in part of the 
County, thus preserving the valuable timber and directing 
attention to the improvement of all kind of stock. 
RESOURCES. 

To the citizen of Rutherford County wdio feels a love for 
his country and aglow of warm affection for his fellow-man, 
the task of writing up the resources of this wonderful Coun- 
ty resolves itself into a pleasure, and the only fear to be felt 
is that want of space will make him unable to dwell with 






8 Rutherford County. 

sufficient power on her varied and extensive products. 

Following the course of nature we will take up the ma- 
terial and substantial benefits offered to the settler in this 
county and follow with an account of the delights and en- 
joyments a residence in Rutherford county will bestow on 
the fortunate possesor. 

Land. — Land in this county is cheap, very cheap. Im- 
proved land can be bought at from $3 to $50 per acre, the 
last price being that asked for alluvial land, the celebrated 
inexhaustible bottom land on the numerous rivers and 
creeks. In quality, the land of course varies from very rich 
to poor, but we have no land so poor that the owner may 
not achieve a competence by dint of moderate industry and 
economy, for the vegetable productions of this country are 
so varied and so many that with the exercise of observation 
and judgment a settler ma}' so adapt his crop to the require- 
ments of his land that his reward will be either bountiful or 
scanty as his industry or his lack of that quality prevails in 
his life, here, however, the laziest of mortals can hardly fail 
to make a living, and that f'lct, at present, is a great bar to 
our advancement, for the class of laborers we have here, is 
one that is content with a bare subsistence and nothing will 
hardly induce any effort for anything further : hence the 
need of those who desire more than the mere necessaries of 
life, and hence also our welcome to those who come here 
desirous of increasing in worldly prosperity. 

Products: — Of products of the vegetable kingdom the 
mere list of those indigenous would fill a large portion of 
our space without leaving any chance to describe them ; and 
of cultivated products we must just bunch it, and say, and 
that without the slightest exaggeration, that we have here all 
products but those that are strictly tropical. 

Herewith is a partial list of indigenous and cultivated 
products. Trees Oak : l)lack, white, red, Spanish, water, 
chestnut — Hickory, two kinds. Ash, white and red. Per- 
simmon ; Dogwood: "Walnut; Poplar; Maple, curly and 
common; Beech; Birch; Cedar; Alder; Locust; Pine, two 



Rutherford Conuty. 9 

kinds; Laurel. Otlier products, indigenous: Berries: Black 
Whortleberry in vast quantities, Sugar, Dew berries, Haws, 
both black and red, elder; Nuts, Chestnut, Hickory, Hazel, 
Walnut, Chincapin, Herbs. Plants, Boneset, Ditany, Cole- 
wort, RatsV)ane, Blood-root, Pleurisy or Butterfly-weed, Ele- 
campane, Virginia Snake-root, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Bay, 
Ground Ivy, Rattle-snake-weed, Two-o'clock. As has been 
stated this is but a partial list, and is also a very imperfect 
one, as on account of the limited time and space allowed in 
getting up this article such products can only be mentioned 
as are most obvious to the sight, and as the work is foi* pop- 
ular use, only the common names are used. But perhaps, 
in the near future a hand-book of the resources of this ad- 
mirable country will be prepared and then we can give in 
tall a view, while now we can only give the reader a glance 
at the remarkable richness and fertility of this Heaven-blessed 
land. Of mineral products we have quaries of several kinds 
of building stones, as Granite, red and brown Sandstones, 
Syenite, and of Minerals. Dana the accepted authority on 
such matters gives the following: Gold, Graphite, Bismathic 
Gold, Diamond, Euclase, Pseudomorphous Quart, Chalcedo- 
ny, Corundum, Epidote, Pyrope, Bookite, Zircon, Monazite, 
Rutherfordite, Saraarskite, Mort Crystals, Itacolumyte, 
Cyanite. Now here is an array of minerals sufficient to 
draw the lover of wealth to our County, and when a proper 
cabinet of these minerals is set up, mineral ogical students 
and tourists will be drawn here from all parts, for these min- 
erals are not scarce here. 

In regard to the gold, gold hunting does not seem to be 
much of a past time in this County, notwithstanding the fact 
that rich mines have been discovered and worked with suc- 

C<'-^3. 

In regard to the diamond, it may be very common, but 
the frequent appearance of this brilliant and beautiful Quatz 
Crystal, has the effect of causing a distrust in the mind of 
the ordinary observer in regard to the bright stones he may 
see. 



10 Rutherford County. 

Having thus given a very imperfect and incomplete list 
of natural products we vv'ill venture some remarks on the 
reasons for our lack of modern improvements. 

Previous to the war nearly all our citizens were slave 
owners, and improvements were not needed, at least the 
need for them was not felt, for it was felt to be superfluous 
to do anything that able and willing slaves could accomplish. 
With the close of the war every vestige of this wealth was 
swept away, and the country being agricultural, it was of 
course left bankrupt. True the land was left, but land 
without laborers was only worth a bare subsistence; the work 
performed in the North by labor-saving appliances, had here 
been done by the slave, and with freedom and a change in 
the relations of master and servant and no machinery the 
South of necessity had to begin anew in many respects. — 
With these drawbacks there was still another one, the lack 
of means of transportation, the products of the country could 
find no market, hence what sufficed for home use was all 
that there Avas any incentive to raise. No wonder that with 
all the bounties of nature lying at our feet our people were 
poor. Those who have lived all their lives where transporta- 
tion is easy do not appreciate the difficulties that beset those 
who live far from the locomotive and steamboat. And our 
advice to those who live out of the reach of those civilizers 
of man, is this: If any opportunity is ever offered you to se- 
cure one of these, secure it at once at any price, you will 
never regret it. 

And now perhaps it would be fitting that we describe 
some of the articles here mentioned. In regard to the tim- 
ber we have of the White Oak trees that will measure twelve 
to fourteen feet in circumference and sixty feet to the first 
limbs, sound to the heart ; Walnuts of the same size, sixty or 
seventy to the acre, and the Imperishable Post Oak also of 
gigantic size. The weeping willow and also the basket 
willow, fringe our rivers, the Sassafras tree, valuable for its 
oil is also plentiful, and as for'grapes, this county might 
rival Eschol of Scriptural ' fame. The Sumac valuable to 



Rutherford Comity. 11 

the dyer and tanner here o^rovvs in profusion, and the Bay 
tree valuable for the oil of wintergreen is found on all our 
mountains. 

That there are wonderful possibilities in our County for 
the settler of thrift and enterprise we will cite the case of a 
Scotch gentleman Mr. Frank Reynolds who came to this 
County some eight years ago with hut little money, but with 
the thrift and enterprise that distinguish his race. At the 
start in this County he worked for wages, but his keen eyes 
saw the many roads open to wealth and he quickly embarked 
in business for himself, and his business qualifications and 
enterprise have placed him in the enviable possession of one 
of the largest tanneries in the South shipping weekly some 
two thousand pounds of leather. Mr. Reynolds has also de 
voted himself to fruit-culture, and a few nights since he 
showed the writer of this two beautiful Belle Pears luscious 
and delicious,"one weighing one pound and the other weigh- 
ing fourteen ounces. This example is sufficient to show 
what the chance is for the new comer who has the brains 
and energy, but is handicapped on the start at home, by 
reason of the crowded state of the country in which he lives. 
We are a hospitable people here; we have a welcome, 
and a hearty one, for all who come here desirous of improv- 
ing their fortunes by honest and honorable means. Crimes 
are very few in our midst. Our morals are very good, our 
contributions, as compared to our means, for intellectual and 
charitable purposes are remarkable, and our social proclivi- 
ties and kindly feelings and attentions to strangers have 
evoked warm encomiums from the ISTorthern visitors who 
are each year becoming more numerous. The writer of this 
norlion of this article could descant on the healthfulness of 
I this country, its numerous pure, clear water springs, med- 
I iiinal and mineral springs, but will leave that to be treated 
I of by a gentleman of eminence in the medical profession and 
I who is familiar with these matters. 



12 Rutherford County. 

LETTER FROM DR. OLIVER HICKS. 

An elaborately written health history of Rutherfordton 
and the adjacent country would embrace its topography, &c., 
climatology, and as the paper is for the general public it is 
believed best to avoid that which is technical and theoretical, 
so far as is consistent with simple expression of facts. 

Having been engaged in the practice of medicine al- 
most uninterruptedly for the last twenty years in all parts of 
Rutherford County, my opportunities for investigating the 
causes and observing the character of disease, as seen and treat- 
ed here have been simple, and many circustances connected 
with symptomatology, and treatment have led to more than 
ordinary scrutiny, and close investigation in regard to phys- 
ical conditions influencing the course, types, results, and 
terminations of disease. 

The County of Rutherford, North Carolina, is sheltered 
on the North and Northeast by South Mountain range, on 
the West and Northwest by the Blue Ridge, and on the 
South and Southwest by Tryon Mountains. Four large, 
rapid rivers have their sources and flow through this im- 
mense mountain cove. There are many large creeks and 
numberless smaller creeks and branches of the purest water, 
upon these streams are a great many unused shoals ot easy 
access, and suitable for almost every conceivable kind of 
manufacturing. There is also on these streams a large pro- 
portion of the best bottom lands, (alluvial) which produces 
abundant crops, although existing modes of cultivation and 
implements used are of the most primitive kinds. There 
are many thousand acres of primeval forests, contiguous to 
the streams, in which abounds the finest grades and varieties 
of hard woods. The white hickory, white oak, post oak, dog- 
wood, sour-wood, beech, maple, persiraon, birch, &c., are plen- 
tiful, very little of which has been used for other than domestic 
purposes. Near the mountains and up their sides there is a 
great deal of black walnut, wild locust, mountain birch, &c., in 
many localities wild cherry. Experienced lumbermen say 



Rutherford County. 13 

the heart puie of this County is equal to the best, in quality 
and quantity, 

Our climate is simply delightful. The atmosphere is 
clear light, lastic and dry as that of Denver, Col., in Win- 
ter and Spring and free from dust in Summer and Autumn. 
We have a temperature as eqable as is known so great a dis- 
tant from the equator. For persons who have chronic pul- 
monary disease or who inherit predisposition to tubercular 
phthisis, these conditions are favorable in the highest degree. 

The earth's surface is rolling. There are no swamps 
and no stagnated water here, marsh miasm does not exist, 
and onl}' in instances of gross negligence do heaps of debris 
accumulate. 

For several years succeeding 1873, certain families in 
different sections of the County were affected by a continued 
fever which usually assumed a typhoid character 
during its course. In some instances typhoid symptoms 
were observable from the inception of the disease. These 
fevers ran a comparatively wild course and the patients re- 
covered under the use of appropriate means. I noticed quite 
a difference in grade, in persons who were well clad accus- 
tomed to wholesome articles of diet, and those who were 
poorly clad and used the most inferior articles of diet, and 
Avho gave but little attention to personal cleanliness and other 
rules of health. In the former the type of the disease was 
sthenic ; in the latter I saw a few cases very nearly approach- 
ing typhus. 

j^ocal cause for the prevalenceof the disease was pointed 
out in each neighborhood. Such as inattention to drainage, 
unck\insed cellars, heaps of decomposing debris and espe- 
cially accumulations of animal excretions being allowed to 
moulder and exhale their noxious gases, near sleeping 
apartments. 

Epidemics are exceedingly rare and are usually limited 
to circumscribed sections. Of course some of the exanthemata 
make their visits here, as they do wherever human beings 
live, but generally in such mild form that the good wife with 



14 Rwtheiford County. 



her armamentarium of "oil, turpentine, camphor, and root 
and herb teas," usually sees a favorable termination, partic- 
ularly in measels and roseola. 

I have seen cases of scarlatina that demanded most 
prompt and vigorous treatment, through that dread scourge 
of infancy and childhood, "Scarlatina maligna" is seldom 
met with, and then only in cliildren of previously impaired 
and very delicate constitutions. 

I have seen but very few cases of diptheria since I came 
to the County in 1864, though I have on several occasions 
been called in haste to attend little patients with acute disease 
of the throat sui)posed to be diptheria. With very few ex- 
ceptions the disease proved to be malignant scarlet fever, 
which had attacked with es[)ecial violence, tissues of the 
throat and mouth — (Scarlatina anginosum.) There has not 
been a case of small pox in the County since my residence 
here. 

A vast majority of all cases of disease I have treated were 
either of catarrhal origin, or could be attributed to impru- 
dence in diet and exercise, and could have bean easilj^ pre- 
vented by an observance of the simplest hygienic rules. At 
all events the attacks could have been greatly modified, and 
often spells of weeks duration might have been only indis- 
positions of a few days. 

In most instances attacks among children are ephemeral, 
occasional attacks of dysentery (Sporadic) diarrhea incident 
to dentition in Summer and catarrhal affections in Winter 
is very nearly the record of diseases of infancy and childhood, 
barring contagious exanthemata. Violent attacks of chol- 
era infantum, is the exception, not the rule. 

Persons who have delicate lungs, or those who inherit 
predisposition to tubercular phthisis do exceedingly well in 
this Sheltered Mountain Cove. Lying as it does up on the 
Southern and Eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge and South- 
mountain ranges, the surface receives the earliest rays of the 
morning sun, which warms and dries the air at aii hour 
when the ground is still shaded bv mountains in otlier and 



Rutherford Comity. 15 

less favored localities. The currents of cold, humid air, so 
injurious to delicate lungs are broken up, and thrown above 
us by the high mountains surrounding us on the East and 
]Sr )rth-ea3t, West, North-vv^st an 1 South-west. I have men- 
tioned but a small proportion of the physical conditions ex- 
isting here that are known to be beneficial to consumptives. 
There is as much here to contribute to the wellfare of that 
class of invalids, as can be found elsewhere, and as little to 
detract from it. jS'othing can impare my faith in the opin- 
ion that there exists liere, combined physical conditions, 
which antagonize the development and progress of tubercu^ 
lar jihthisis, and which influence it most favorably after it 
has developed. When I see children and grand-children of 
ancestors who died of tubercular disease, in good health, 
without an indication of the tubercular diathesis; all argu- 
ment to disproN'c the belief, fall like flakes- of snow on the 
ocean's wave. Fascinating theory and the subtleties of logic 
yield in the face of facts so stern. 

Jerusalem's hills is part of her history. The boast of 
mighty Rome is and has been her seven hills, and the pride 
of beautiful Richmond is her hills. Rutherford can boast of 
her hundred hills. Located as it is upon the head waters of 
Gleghorn creek and among the foot hills of the Blue Ridge 
mountains, a more beautiful site, or one possessing more 
advantages in many points of view cannot be found. Four 
large branches run into the town, and uniting make Gleg- 
horn Creek. The surface is rolling and slopes in pretty 
grades to the banks of the streams ,so that it is impossible for 
debris to accumulate. With a little attention to drainage, 
brisk rains act as effectual scavengers and insures the water 
of our springs and wells against contamination. Tliere are 
hundredsoi beautiful and romantic building sites within view 
of the town and near the corporate limits, that are suscepti- 
ble to the highest improvement in the way of landscape 
gardening, terracing, &c. Most of the hills about Ruther- 
fordton are well wooded; the soil is good and produces well. 
From the crests of these hills the view of South Mountains, 



16 Rwtheiford County. 

the Blue Ridge and Tryon Mountain is sublime beyond the 
power of expression. 

To those who wish to seek new homes, I beg leave to 
say that the country in and around Rutherfordton possesses 
vast resourscs yet untouched. Lands are very cheap and 
can be bought on easy terms. 

Oliver Hicks, M. D. 



SCENERY SPRINGS, &c. 

The scenery of Rutherford County is one of the chief 
sources of her pride; she may well boast of the varied and 
valuable quality of her soil, of the gigantic trees of various 
kinds that make her of advantage to the lumbermen, of 
the water power that cheers the face of the machinist and 
quickens the pace of enterprise, but all these also add to her 
beauty. While one may sell her timber, another her land 
another establish factories and machinery, yet respectively 
and combined they add to the charms spread out for the 
tourist and authorize us to invite the lover of natural beauty 
to sojourn with us. 

Situated at the Eastern base of the Blue Ridge including 
several spurs ot that grand chain, her location is diflerent 
and perhaps more interesting than any of her sister counties. 

Stopping for the night at Rutherfordton, the county 
seat, the traveler cannot fail to be struck witli the peculiar 
beauties of the situation. Even the rising and setting of the 
sun impress us. The view toward the East is over hills at 
first steep and sharp then round and smoother, then grad- 
ually receding into the flat lands miles and miles away where 
the long leaf pine takes the place of the oak and poplar, 
forest pine and hickory. Over these the slanting rays of 
the rising sun cast a glorious beauty until they touch and 
gild the distant mountain sides. At evening the setting of 
the sun seems hastened and the twilight prolonged by the 
mountains West of us. Space would not justify us in particu- 
larizing, but we may add a brief discription of a few of the 
striking features in our scenery. 



Rutherford County. 17 

The "Cherry Mountain," so called from the fine quali- 
ty and abundance of the fruit grown there, is in the North- 
eastern portion of Rutherford County, and affords a view of 
Cleveland and Burke Counties in the foreground and Lin- 
coln and Mecklinburg and portions of South Carolina and 
the blue summit of King's Mountain in the back ground 
while the South Mountains stand as a rear guard to the 
North. 

The streams are, with one or two exceptions, clear as 
crystal — and many brooks burst forth boldly from springs 
cooling and sweet that far surpass the water coolers and ice 
casks about hotels. 

One mile West of Rutherfordton on the Hickory Nut 
Road a view of the mountains in the distance that is unsur- 
passed may be had. Southwest of us clear and distinct 
fourteen miles away the Whiteoak Mountains and two miles 
farther the Tryon slumber in their majesty. Farther West 
the Sugar Loaf, Bear Wallow and Bald Mountains lift their 
heads toward the sky, and above all Mt. Mitchell, the highest 
peak in North Carolina and indeed East of the Rocky 
Mountains adds its shadow to the already gloomy grandeur 
of the scene. 

When we draw nearer, the varied beauty and curiosity 
of the landscape increases; and in our immediate borders we 
find the noted Chimney Rock, standing on its own responsi- 
bility more than 500 feet high, from which the postoffice, 
hotel, &c., derives their names. While this rock is a curios- 
ity as it stands thus isolated, as its name would indicate, 
still the view from its base is grander still. It is a two 
hours tramp from the Chimney Rock Hotel to the base of 
this Rock, and none have ever made the journey that did 
not feel repaid. As we stand with heated brow^ and tired 
limbs and contemplate the surroundings, we acknowledge 
that few mountain views can surpass it. The Mountains across 
the river; "Round Top," and pinacles stand as our '•'■vis a viz'^ 
wliiietheSugarLoafthrows its benign shadow over us. The 
"Broad River" chained to the hills by the links of a thousand 



18 Rittherfoj'd County. 

brooks and rills, glides away like a silver serpent flashing in 
the sunlight down the valley on its way to the sea. On the 
same Mountain a little May to the AVest, the stream known 
as Fall Creek rises, murmurs alongfor half a mile, turns the 
wheel ofalittle mill, and then plunges headlong, a distance of 
1300 feet down the face of the rock and then throws itself pla}-- 
fully into the current of the river. The Hickory Nut Road lead- 
ing from AshcvilletoRutherfordton,and also the lienderson- 
villeroad leads the traveler down this romantic gorge. Travel- 
ing East the mountains already mentioned stand on the 
right, while on the left stand Round Top with its "Vance's 
nose" projection, (named in honor of our U. S. Senator.) 
The noted Harris' view or Pinacle from wliich may be seen 
several towns in adjoining counties and affording the finest 
of sun-rise and sun-set view^s, Bat Cave with its swift cold 
breath, Bald Mountain with its shaking propensities and 
volcanic reputation, and its cave in the rocks and fissures in 
its sides, all add their quota of interest to the charms of this 
landscape. 

These are the leading features of our scenery, but there 
is many a vine clad nook and cosy glen, through which flows 
a little rivulet down some minature precipice, where the 
mosses and ferns never fade nor grow sere. These springs 
and brooks are not only things of beauty; many of them 
possess medicinal qualities unsurpassed by the most noted 
springs in the world. 

Two miles from the Chimney Rock Hotel, once owned 
by "Washington Harris, now dead, the mention of whose 
name v^-ill awake pleasant memories in the minds of many a 
weary traveler and hunter who have tried his hospitality, 
and now owned by Judge G. W. Logan, is an Alum Spring, 
where the twigs and pebbles by its current collect lumps of 
solid Alum. 

Within one-half mile of the Hickory Nut Road and the 
same distance from the Chimney Rock Hotel, is the "Spicer 
Spring," which for pure, sweet, and delightful //rg 8^om^\■^\^v 
is unsurp'issed. 



Rutherford County. 19 

North- west of Ruthcrfordton four miles is Lewis' Spring, 
strong Sulphur water, and possessing all the qualities of more 
noted springs of the same character. jSTear Rutherfordton 
are two Chalyheate Springs — one even inside the corporation 
— where the inhabitants have easy access to it, and many of 
them as well as nnmy strangers have derived material bene- 
fit from the use of the water. Upon the ground is a beau- 
tiful site for a hotel. The water has been analyzed by the 
State Geologist, and is said to contain some of the finest 
medicinal properties. This spring is owned by Mr. T. B. 
Justice, of Rutherfordton, and no charge is made for the use 
of the water. 

Ten miles South-east of the village in Sulphur Springs 
Township is a strong Sulphur Spring, the property of Mr. 
Henson. Several persons who have tried its water have re- 
ceived permanent benefit therefrom. So it will be seen that 
the beautiful is also combined with the beneficial. 



To L. P. Erwln, B. J. Balfour, 3L H. Justice, Committee: 

Previous engagements prevent compliance in extenso 
with your courteous request to make a statement of "what I 
know about" Rutherford County. I take it you would like 
to hear from me because I am "from the North."' 

I arrived in Rutherfordton 18th of October, 1851, from 
Lyme, N. H., was then a young man fresh from college. 
M}' main reasons for coming South were to escape the con- 
sequences of the cold climate of the North upon a con- 
stitution with decided tendencies to rheumatism and b}^ no 
means safe from consumptive troubles there. The move was 
in these particulars a great success. Neither of those dread- 
ful maladies has given me the slightest trouble since my ar- 
rival here 35 years ago. 

I firmly believe there is not a spot of territory on the 
face of the earth, of the same size of Rutherford County, that 
excels it in healthfulness of climate. 

As to soil, natural resources, elements for the develop- 
ment of a rich and prosperous and thickly settled communi- 



20 Rutherford County. 

tj, nothing can be said that will exagerate the actual facts. 
For an intelligent, law abiding, generous, kind-hearted peo- 
ple, Ruthford County is not excelled. 

Men of means looking for a desirable home — men of 
education — men dependent on their daily labor — every class 
of people who come to make up a population of good citi- 
zens will be most cordially received in every part of Ruther- 
ford County. 

Very respectfully, 

L. F. Churchill, 



LETTER FROM W. L. TWITTY, Esq. 

Rutherford County embracing both the mountain and 
piedmont sections, owing to its peculiar pliysical formation 
is noted for itshealthfulness and mildness of climate and un- 
der the impulse of capital would soon be marked for its dis- 
tribution of labor and yield a generous return for all the 
money expended in the improvement of its fertile soil and 
magnificent water power. It would be safe to say that the 
water power of this county is ample to duplicate all the fac- 
tories now running in the State and the surplus products of 
its farms sufficient for the sustenance of their operatives. 
This section is divided by its various mountain ranges into 
two semicircles tangent to each other on the South Moun- 
tain range each having an Eastern and South-eastern expos- 
ure and each being protected on its Western and North- 
western boundaries by outlying ranges. The first semicircle 
is formed by the spurs of the Blue Ridge and separated from 
it on the Western boundary only by the Reedy Patch and 
upper Broad Ixiver and capped by the peaks of Sugar Loaf 
and Bald Mountains and from 3600 to 4000 feet above the 
level of the sea through which Broad River cuts its 
channel. This range from its height intercepts the 
Eastern currents bearing moisture and condensing 
them and thus rendering protracted droughts, (such as 
are felt in many other sections) improbable if not 



Rutherford County. ^1 

impossible. At this point tlie turn of the range is 
parallel to the axis of the Blue Ridge, (that is a littleEast of 
North) extending up to the range dividing the head waters 
of Cedar Creek in the County from those of Crooked Creek 
in McDowel Count}-, thence the watershed extens in an East- 
terly course to the South Mountains and thence a South- 
eastern direction to its terminus in the Flint Hills. The tan- 
gential point of the second semicircle with the first is on the 
South Mountains and the general turn of the range is nearly 
North to the head of First Broad aud theuce Easterly to the 
Cleveland line. These sections are again subdivided into 
the watershed of the First, Second and Mlain Broad Rivers. 
The Main Broad River basin extends from the South Caro- 
lina and Polk County lines to Forest City and the lines of 
railway one and a quarter miles North of Rutherfordton, 
thence along the dividing ridge ot Mountain and Cathey's 
Creeks to the Northern boundary of the first semicircle. In 
this basin are three entire Townships containing ninety 
square miles, and four-fifths of four others with an aggregate 
area of one hundred and thirty-one square miles. In this 
first section is the justly admired scenery around Chimney 
Rock. The bold outline and grandure of which is rarely 
equalled and not surpassed by any in the South. The pools, 
tliree successive chasms, at the foot of as many cascades, worn 
l)y the action of the water upon the stratified rocks through 
succesive ages. Their depths are variously estimated from 
thirty to sixty feet and their diameters are from ten feet in the 
upper to fifteen or twenty feet in the lower pool. 

Chimney Rock two hundred and fifty feet high and one 
hundred and fifty feet in diameter at its base is a segment of 
the clitt of Sugar Loaf severed from it by some violent force 
ot nature and rounded by the action of the winds presents to 
the eye almost a perfect chimney, separated from the 
^Mountain by a distance of onl}- a few rods. The water cap- 
ing over the falls of Sugar Loaf thirteen hundred feet and 
partially disolving into mist and spray are some of the at- 
tractions of this delightful mountain pass. Another peculiarity 



22 Rutherford County. 

of this section together with the two others are the dewless 
and, consequently in the winter, frostless belts found in the 
coves along the Eastern slopes of the Mountains. These 
belts seem designed by nature as the habitat of the peach 
and grape; both attain their greatest perfection here. Wild 
summer grapes hang upon the vine until midwinter without 
losing their flavors or v^dne producing properties. I have 
known them gathered late in December and made into wine. 
Peaches grown upon these belts are far superior in flavor to 
those in the flat woods and the fruit grower can rely with 
confidence upon a good yield almost every year, the average 
loss being only one crop in fltteen or twenty. Why this strat- 
um of dry air hangs upon our mountain sides is a question 
awaiting solution by scientists. The soil of this section va- 
ries from the black loam, the alluvial, the red, to the gray 
silicious. The black loam found in the mountain, not only 
richly reward the labor of their owners but are the benefac- 
tors of the denizens of the low lands, for the waters percolat- 
ing through them and streams running thence carry in solu- 
tion the alluvium; thus renovating our bottom lands so heav- 
ily taxed by the one crop system of the country. These 
lands produce corn equal to our fine bottom lands, and grass, 
Irish potatoes, &c., much better. They also yield large crops 
or the heavy qualities of tobacco. Next in succession comes 
the gray, silicious soil which forms a belt extending to with- 
in eight or nine miles of Rutherfordton (most of it) and 
thence from the Hickory Nut Road to within a mile of the 
Polk line on the South, the two qualities of red clay soil 
predominate. These soils difler in the amount of silica in 
their composition. In the one the plowshare will clear itself 
and in the other it will not. They are both pro<luctive and 
lasting soil. They produce cotton, corn, wheat, tobacco, &c., 
well. In response to a query put to one of our best and most 
intelligent farmers I received the followingreply: "Ihavenev- 
reyet found anything that they are not good for." This non- 
silicious red land is of the same quality as the celebrated 
black lands of Texas, and the yellow clay lands of Mecklen- 



Rutherford County. 28 

biiro;, of which a citizen of that conntj said to me "that a 
hundred years of culture would not exhaust them. North of 
the Hickory Nut Road the gray soil is the prevailing one to 
a point North or North-east of Rutherfordton. These red 
lands extend to Gleghorn Creek at the Scoggin place and 
thence South to the Polk County line. On both sides of 
Main Broad River this belt extends with an average width 
of one and a half to two miles to Mr. Wm. Harris' on Floyd's 
Creek. From Floyd's Creek East the uplands are nearly all 
gray, and from Gleghorn Creek East they are with the base 
of the same quality. This gray silicious soil is fine for cot- 
ton and fine yellow tobacco. It is a generous soil and re- 
wards the laborer well. The most valuable lands in this 
County is the rich alluvial lands on our watercourses. Where 
the hills jet in forming water breaks to the overflowing 
streams thus causing the deposition of alluvium, these lands 
are practically exhaustless. Some have been worked from 
fifty to sixty years in suecesion without change of crop and 
without apparent depreciation of the soil. All of our bottom 
lands are, however, not equally fertile, many of them form 
drifts, &c., in the streams giving the currents force or bore 
causing them to raise the sands from their channels and de- 
posit them on original soil, are more or less injured but in 
most cases this could be remedied by proper management 
and culture. What is said of the different kinds of soil of this 
section is equally applicable to the other two sections. The 
waterpowers of this section is as follows : On Broad 
River, the narrows in (Chimney Rock Township,) shoal at 
Poores Ford, and Bey Island (Sulphur Springs Township) 
an<l Beech Shoal in (High Shoal Township.) This stream 
offers from 50 to 100 per cent, more water than Pacolat on 
whicii are located the factories of Clifton and Trough Shoal 
on ^[ountain Creek three water powers,on Cove Creek three 
fine shoals, on Cedar Creek two fine powers, on Bill's Creek 
two good powers, on Charlie's Creek waterpowers, on Horse 
Creek, South of Island Ford two, McKinny's Creek one, 
llenson's Creek one, Shephard's Creek two. In sections 



^Jj, Rittherford County. 

second the lands are gray selicious to a point nearly North of 
Kutherfordton on the Easten portion of Camp Creek Town- 
ship extending thence to Robinson's Creek, from that }>oint 
to the Cleveland line the soil is gray. The waterpowers of 
this section are the following : On Second Broad are fine 
water powers,at Nabor's, at Bostic's, near Forest City and 
below Forest City on the same stream is the Burnt Factory 
Shoal, a very fine power, and a few miles further down the 
river is High Shoals and Tumbling Shoals, two of the finest 
powers in the State for the size of the stream and either one 
of which is sufficient to run as many spindlesas Clifton's Fac- 
tor}'. The powers atNabor's and Bostic's aie equal to Burnt 
Factory, also fine. There are three good powers on Camp 
Creek and two good powers on- Cathey's Creek, on Rob- 
ertson's Creek is a very fine power, at Andrew's Mills and 
very good power at Bostic's. The third section and the 
second semicirle are identical. The uplands are gray. 
The water powers of this section are the shoals of Yelton, 
Painter, McCurry, and Whisnant on first Broad River. The 
minerals of these three sections overlap each other and 
hence will be given together. In the Eastern part of 
the county extending from above Forest City to near the 
Cleveland line are extensive beds of oar of red oxide of iron 
in the central portion of the County is found magnetic and 
spoltic iron, though as yet in small quantities, and in the up- 
per portion of the County on Cathey's and Cove Creek are 
found gray iron ore. That on Cove Creek is in large quan- 
tities. Near McDowell's and Anderson's Shoals two of the 
finest unimproved waterpowers in the County. Gold is 
found on Richardson's Creek and South of Main Rroad River 
(in Union and Green Ilill Townships,) at the head of 
Cathey's Creek, at Jamestown, (atone time the most noted 
places or deposit Mines in the State, from this and the 
Bracket and Brindletown Mines more than one million of 
dollars worth of gold is said to have been taken) at the 
head of first Broad River, four miles North of Rutherford- 
ton, on Cove Creek, and other sections of the County — 



Rutherford County. 25 

Malichite at Cooper's Gap, Lead on Cove Creek, Manga- 
nese in large quantities South of Main Broad River, and on 
Bill's Creek Corundum in theJaemstovt'n Mountains, Asbes- 
tos in Logan Store Township, Metaraorphic rocks inclosing 
water on Dr. Harris' place, near llutherfordton, Graphite in 
considerable quantities in the Southern portion of the county. 
Mica in large sheets at Morgan's and Allen's Mines, but 
stained by admixture of iron. No native silver ore has been 
found in the County, but it is found in connection with gold 
at the Shemmels or Atkins Mine on Cane Creek. The gold 
assays only 60 cents a pennyweight on account of the silver 
mixed with it. A mine at the foot of Tryon in Polk county 
has the same per cent, of silver as the Atkins Mine. The 
Tryon Mine is South-west of the Atkins which is the gen- 
eral course of veins. Does this point to the discovery of a 
silver mine in our borders? 

W. L. TWITTY. 



RELIGIOUS AND MORAL. 

The three leading denominations are Methodist, twen- 
ty-two churches with a membership of some 1400, Presby- 
terians with three churches and a membership of 189, Bap 
tist about twenty-five churches with a membership of some 
3,500; also one Episcopal church in Rutherfordton, mem- 
bership small. 

Most of these churches are in a very healthy, prosperous 
condition, and are developing very satisfactorily, being per- 
haps not less than one hundred per cent, in advance of 
where they were thirty years ago. In the two towns in the 
County, Rutherfordton and Forest City, a large majority of 
the citizens are members of some one of the above named 
denominations. In neither of these towms can any spiritu- 
ous or malt liquors be sold legally, both having prohibitory 
laws. Most of the churches in the County have neat and 
comfortable houses of worship. At Rutherfordton the 
Methodist, Presbyterians and Baptist have built new houses 
within the last few years, all of which are neatly finished 



26 Rutherford County. 

and furnished. At Forest City, a neat little town, six miles 
East of Rutherford ton, both the Baptist and Methodist are 
arrangeing to build new houses. 

The morals of the County will compare favorably with 
those of any County in the State, there being as little drunk- 
ness and as few dens of vice as are to be found in any 
County. 

The denominations in the County are as free from all 
contentions and strife as they are anywhere, each one recog- 
nizing the right of others to choose for themselves, and 
worship God according to their understanding of His word. 
In Rutherfordton, and so far as is known all over the county, 
there exists among the various pastors the most fraternal 
feelings and good will. 

Taken altogether, while the religious and moral status 
is not all that could be desired, yet it will compare favorably 
with that in any county in the State, and is encourging and 
hopeful. 




Advertisemen ts. 



27 



REAL ESTATE AGENCY, 

C. 13. JUSTICE, 

T^Titlierfordtoii, IST. C 

1 nn nnri'^'^^''^^ '^^■'^^*^^'"^'*'" Lands in Cleveland. Rutherford, 
1UU,IJUU McDowell, Polk and Henderson counties, N. C.,will 
1)0 iHit on the market soon in tracts, at prices and on terms to accom- 
modate settlers. 

These Lands are adapted to the growth of corn, wheat, oats, to- 
bacco, rye, ;j:rasses and all kin<ls of fruits. 

Owin": to building- of the Western North Carolina Railroad, the 
SjiMrtanbura: and Asheville Railroad, the (Jharleston, Cincinnati and 
Ciiicago Railroad and the Carolira Central Railroad, this is distined, 
at no distant day, to be one of the most desirable sections of North 
Carolina. 

Also two Gold Mines with some 1100 acres of land attached, and 
some 90;) acres of farming lands in Union County, N. C. 



ABLE LANDS FOR SALE! 



Situate in Rutherford County, North Carolina. 



Will be sold in quantities to suit purchasers; in lots of from one 
to one thouf-and acres. 

First Class River and Creek Bottom Lands with good and valua- 
ble Water Power. 

Also many desirable Building Lots in and around Rutherford- 
ton, N. C. Apply to 

R. W. LOGAN, Agt., 

Rutherfordton, N. C. 



A VALUABLE TRACT OP LAND FOE, SALE ! 



Lying three miles North-west of Rutherfordton, containing one 
hundred and seventy acres, with good Dwelling House, Kitchen, 
out houses, good Barn and Stables. About oue-lialf of tract in culti- 
vation. For terms, &c., applv to 

JNO. H. WOOD, 
Rutherfordton, N. C. 



^8 Advertisements. 



m 



1?, 



lilJJ 1 



THEIIFORD BjlNpR, 



RUTHERFORDTON, N. C, 
Every Thursday. 



Home Print — Si.oo Per Year. 



The Bannnr is about to enter upon 
Its third year under the present man- 
agement, with brighter prospects and an 
increasing subscription list. 



As an advertising medium the Banner 
offers first-class facilities. 

Wm. c ivy, 

Editor and Proprietor. 



Advertisements. 



29 



J. C. COWAN, 

RUTHERFORDTO^, K C. 

Sells all kinds of Dry Goods, Groceries, Hardware, 
Boots Shoes and Notions. Call and see me. 

James A. Miller, 

MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN 

BOOTS AND SHOES 

AVliolesale and Retail. 

Custom work done in the best style. 
All work warranted. 

RUTHEKFORDTOM. M. C. 

George L. Bartlett, 

DEALER IN 

GROCEtfES, HJIRDWARE 

AND 

STA.PI.E DRY GOODS. 

Rutherfordton, N. C. 



30 Advertisements. 



RUTHERFORDTOU, U. C. 

Beautiful Location. Pure Air, Pure Water. Climate especially 
equable. 

Tlie Proprietor claims to keep THE BEST HOTEL and to set 
THE BEST TABLE of any Inland Hotel in Western North Carolina. 

First-class Livery and Barter Shop Attached ! 

NOTE WHAT IS SAID OF IT. 

The Guthrie House is one of the pleasant^'st places I liave stopped 
at in Western North Carolina. R. LEE LONGSTREET, 

U. S. Geolog'lical Surveyor. 

I pronounce the Guthrie House one of the best Hotels in N. (\ 
The g'enial and clever ))roprietor is ever ready to attend to tlie wants 
of his guests, and anything is done for their comfort. 

W. M. LYSLE. 
The best and most home-like Hotel in any small town in the 
South. The cooking is equal to tliat of the largest and finest hotels. 

G. A. FRICK. 
B. C. Wood, Esq., of Baltimore, who was with us a month savs : 
"It is the most pleasant and delightful place I find in Western North 
Carolina, The Hotel cannot be surpassed and the town and sur- 
rounding country is beautiful with thepeople.by means of their intel- 
lierence and culture add a charm that can not be excelled in any 
village North or South." 

I have never received better attention at anv village hotel in 
North Carolina than at the Cuthrie House. With neat beds, good 
meals, and the manner in which they are served. I am sure no one 
could wish for a better place of abpde while visiting this sectiion. 

W. H. FALIAFAND, 
Baltimore. 
If Mr. Guthrie has proved himself a genial and attentive host so 
has Mrs. Guthrie proved lierself a kind and admiralile liostess. To- 
gether they have converted a Hotel into a Home which travelers un- 
usually appreciate. A. J. GALAGHFR, 

New Brunswick, Canada. 
"The Guthrie" is a "Bang up, Good House," well fnrnisiied and 
well kept. Tlie table is excellent and the practical attention i^aid 
the guests a noticable and agreeable feature. For quiet, home com- 
fort, it is unsurpassed. ' JNO. F. .TONES, 

Chief Engineer M. & S. C. Co. 
To the. Traveling Public : 

It gives me pleasure to state unhesitatingly that the Guthrie 
House is one of the best in North Carolina, and heartily reconmiend 
it to all who want a pleasant sojourn in that section. 

Respectfully, S. C. HOMESLEY. 



Advertisenien ts. 



31 



1 



I 



J 1 



V 



E 



Transient and. private Board- 
ers A-Cconmaodated. 

Mrs. S. E. RucKER, 

Rutherfordton, N. C. 

PiCsidGDce Opposite Presbyterian Church. 

James K. Simpson, 

DEALER IN 

GENERAL MERCHANDISE. 

Buys and sells all kinds of Country Froduce. 

TRY RUTHERFORD COUNTY SYRUP 

Equal to any goods made. Send for 
prices and samples. 

READY-MADE CLOTHIHG-Largest stock 

West of Charlotte. 

Ageirt for Domestie Sewing Machines and Clark's 
Spool Thread. 

JSST'You can find anvthinf? you want at Prices Second to None. ""©8 
RUTHERFOIiDTON, N. C. 

D. W. HYDER 



Rntlierfbrdton, jST. C. 



S'2' Advertisements. 



I T. D. ^A^OOD, 

JEWELER AlTD WATCHMAKEH. 
1^ Repairing Done on Short ITotice. "Sir 

Always to be found at liis place of business. ''Honest 
Work and Fair Dealing/' 

Office on East Side of Main Street, Rutherfordfcon, N. C. 



W. L. LTNC 



Eiatlierforclton, N". C. 

Is prepared to perform all kinds of Dental Ope^;ations. Have 
i-ocured niodern cunvenienees to facilitate GOOD WORK. Teeth 
itracted without pain by the use of Nitrous Oxide, bpeeial atten- 



pr 

tion given to the insertion of Artificial Teeth 



L. P. ER^A^IN, 

REAL ESTATE AGENT, 
Rutlierfordton, N". C. 

Land Bought, Sold and Exchanged. Titles Examined. 



Advertissjuen ts. 



38 



Drs. J. W. HARRIS & SON, 

PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS. 

Obstetei'ics ^ Specialty. 

Office Main St., Rutherfordton, N. C. 



Prs^. J 



ffliii^ & fi®i» 



HXJTHERFOBDTOr^, 'K. G. 






S AND CHEMICALS 



STANDARD PATEUT MEDICIUES, 
Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Dye-Stuffs, 

HAIR AND TOOTH BRUSHES, 



roiLET Articles, perfumery, soaps. 

Shoulder Braces, Trusses, Sponges, 

AND ALL VARIETIES OF DRUGGISTS' SUNDRIES, 



Physicians Prescriptions carefully compounded, 
and orders answered with care and dispatch. 



SJf Advertisements. 

CARPENTER & WALLACE 

I Offers ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN ACRES of Good Farm- 
! iiig Lauds, two miles from the Court House and one and one-half 
miles from the C. C, & C. R. R. Dejjot. Can be bought for 

S750.00. 

For further particulars, address 

K. J. CARPENTER, 
or A. D. K, WALLACE, 

Rutherfordton, N. C. 

FRANK REYNOLDS, Agent, . 

RUTHERFORD CO., IT. C. 

Twelve Miles West of Rutherfordton. 
DEALER IN 

GENERAL MERCHANDISE, 



PROPRIETOR OF THE AYR TANNERY. 



Highest Cash Price for Hides. 



}^ 



5> 
]Riith.erfordtoii,^]Sr. C. 

Proprietor. 



Advertisemen ts. 



85 



John F. Ari^owood, 



i Jjjj 



JJD 



AND SALE STAB 

(In Connection with the Guthrie House.) 



Good Teams and Vehicles always on hand. Safe, po- 
lite and attentive drivers. Patronage of the traveling pub- 
lic solicted. Terms reasonable. Call and see me. 



-AND- 



WAGON MANUFACTORY. 



J. F. Arrowood, 



Church Street, Rutherfordton, N. C. 



Constantly on hand or made to order a full supply of 
Carriages, Bugsries of approved Patterns and First-class Ma- 
terial, AT LOW PRICES. My work is warranted and has 
given general satisfaction wherever used. None but the 
best mechanics are employed and the lumber used is from 
our own native forests, and it is given up to be the best in 
the world. 



36 



Advertisement s. 



^A^. J. HARDIN. 

MERCHANT, 



Eutherfordtoia, N". C. 

DEALER IN 

Dry Goods, Groceries, 

Notions, Hardware 

AXD ALL 



ARTICLES OF GENERAL lERCHANDIS 



Sells Cheap — Short profits and quick 

Sales. 

Keeps a Large Assortment Always on 
Hand. 

EXCHANGES FOR COUUTEY PRODUCE. 

Polite and attentive clerks whose pleasure it is to wait 
on customers. 

AGENT FOR COATS' SPOOL COTTON, which he 
will sell as cheap as can he l)ought in the United States. — 
Sells at lietail, Sells hy the Package, Sells at Wholesale. 



him. 



Country Merchants will save money hy buying from 



Advertisements. 37 

Oliver Hicks, M. D. 



GIVES STRICT ATTENTION to the practice of his 
profession. 

Special attention given to operation in Surgery and 
Diseases peculiar to females. 

RUTIIERFORDTON, N". C. 

Matt McBrayer, 

ATTORNEY AT LAW 
^nd. Real Estate A-gent. 
FOREST CITY, 

Rutherford County, N. C. 

M.H. JUSTICE, 

ATTORNEY AT LAW. 



Practices in all the Courts in "Western North Carolina, 
and in the Supreme Court of the State. Land titles exam- 
ined and abstracts of titles furnished. 



Agent for purchase and sale of Real Estate, and espe- 
cially I3uilding Lots in Rutherfordton. 



Office in Court House, Rutherfordton, N. C. 



o 8 



Advertisements. 




N ApEMY 



m TECHHOIiOGICmX. SCHOOX,, 



9 



P 



RINCIPAL. 



-^T^-^^ 

'^^^A 
r^^ 



lU 



AN 



MRTN^ 



The education of pupils in this institution is complete 
and practical. Address for further particuhirs 

R. J. BALB^OUR, Principal. 

Rutherfordton, N. C. 



Attorney and Counsellor at Law, 

RUTHERFORDTON, N. C. 

Practices in the Superior Courts of Rutherford and ad- 
joining counties. In the Federal Courts at Charlotte and 
Asheville, and in the Supreme Court of the State. 

Address LOCK BOX 3. 

L. F. Churchill, 

ATTOENEY AT LAW, 

U. S. Comrciissioner 

i-^ls-AND^lC^ 

rea^l estate ageistt. 

euteehfordtoit, u. c. 



Advertisements. S9 



RUTHERFORDTOX, K C. 

cIj::::^^:- DEALER in-^^ci::^^ 

Pure Drugs and Medicines, Oils, Varnishes, Window 
Glass, Putty, Pure Kerosene, Writing Paper, Pens Iidv, 
Candies, Candles and Fancy Articles, all of which will be 
sold at the 

Lowest Casli Prices ! 

Having resumed the practice of medicine offers his 
services to his friends and the public. Diseases of women 
and children a specialty. Office in Drug Store atthe Mitch- 
ell old stand. 

A. L. Grayson, 



..oDEALER I No- 



Books, Stationery, &c,, &c., including Bibles, Testa- 
ments, School Books, Etc., Etc. Orders by mail and special 
orders have prompt attention. 

1|S=^ At Postoffice, Rutherfordtoii, N. C. -=^|r 

T. B. JUSTICE, 

ATTORNEY AT LAW 
A_iid Heal Estate -i^gent. 

Practices in Rutherford and adjoining counties, in the 
United States and the Supreme Court of the State. 

iN'egotiations for the purchase or sale of Real Estate. 



JfO 



Advertisenients. 



JAMES M. TOMS, 



-DEALER .IN- 



GROCEBIES AND CONFECTIONERIES. 



11:^=° Next Door to Post Office. 



RUTHEEFORDTOIT, IT. C. 



Carpenter & Tojxls, 



-DEALERS IN 



DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, 

READYMADE CLOTHING, 



IMILINERY4llffG00DS| 



Hats, Shoes and Boots, Groceries and Hardware, T<v 
bacco, Cio;ars and Fine Candies, Tanners and Manufactur- 
ers of Saddles Harness and Bridles. 

RUTMERFOHDTOM. M. C. 



L;D«Jd L^ 






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